Whatever became of ... The effort to open the "cause' for considering Mother Therese of Jesus for sainthood?

September 22, 2002|The Morning Call

The effort has begun. But the process for consideration may take 10-20 years.

The 2001 discovery of the intact body of Mother Therese of Jesus by workers renovating a mausoleum at the Carmelite Monastery in Lanark prompted nuns to seek sainthood for the monastery's co-founder.

The finding of an intact body is believed by some to be a sign of holiness, according to the Rev. John-Benedict Weber of Chicago, who has agreed to open the "cause" for her consideration. Weber said the Church does not place any significance on this finding, but he is seeking the designation based on her deeds.

Weber spent six weeks abroad, gathering information. His opinion? "It looks good in terms of the research."

Weber has found a history of compassion, caring for others and championing the rights of women as equal in the eyes of God -- a concept in the 1920s and '30s that put her well ahead of her time.

He is hopeful the case can be made but notes the long process. In winter he hopes to present information to the prior general of the Carmelite order in Rome. Next would be approval by Bishop Edward Cullen of the Allentown Diocese. In summer, Weber could present a book documenting her life to the Carmelites. If the case passes these steps, the Vatican would be requested to consider her "heroic virtue." Finally, the matter would be considered by the pope -- but not for years.

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